With the pandemic in full force and Zoom University continuing throughout this school year, it’s hard to place what our “new normal” actually is. Sitting behind a screen for a significant portion of the day and clicking into lectures with 15 minutes in between can be draining. But, there is a lot you can do to be proactive and find excitement in. Here are three ways the make the best of virtual learning.
Remember to take breaks:
With primarily online classes, it’s easy to stay glued to your screen all day. Even the small breaks of time we used to have (like moving from different buildings and study spots) are no longer built into the day.
Whether it’s getting up to stretch at your desk or having a snack, doing something in between classes for yourself is so important. These tasks may seem small and obvious, but they make the biggest difference. I’ve found that cooking fun breakfasts and having short, passing conversations with roommates boosts my day even the slightest. Giving close friends/family phone calls is also a good way to separate yourself from the endless zoom calls and reconnect with loved ones. Moments of variety are super important.
Go outside:
Again, a fully virtual schedule results in limited moments spent moving around campus, but, specifically, reduces how much time we spend outside. A quick change in environment can be refreshing and easing. Now, more than ever, is the time to appreciate all the natural beauty of Cornell and the surrounding Ithaca area. Strolling around Collegetown, moving to a socially distanced study spot on the arts quad, sitting on the slope at sunset, grabbing a coffee and chatting with friends (masks on) at CTB, hiking at Taughannock falls, or walking the Cascadilla Gorge Trail, are just a few opportunities/suggestions.
Take advantage of virtual resources:
Despite all the difficulties that have come with virtual learning, remote working, moving online, etc., people across the globe seem more connected than ever before, as Zoom, Google Meet, and Facetime have become ingrained in our every day. Working across timezones, meeting new people, and engaging in global conversation has never been easier.
There are so many online events like live concerts, zoom workouts, wellness and career development webinars, conversation starting workshops (about what is going on in the world), virtual games/escape rooms, etc. that are accessible from the comfort of your room. Even Cornell has an entire page dedicated to virtual events, activities, and content. Cornell Handshake has various events as well, connecting you directly with companies and alumni!
I highly recommend checking out any of the links below or doing a simple google search of “zoom events happening this month.” The efforts of people across the world to adapt to our current reality and join together have resulted in a lot of good. Getting out of your “virtual” comfort zone in any way and taking the time to try something new is the silver lining.
CAREER/CORNELL
https://scl.cornell.edu/get-involved/virtual-engagement/activities-virtual-world
https://accenturece.avature.net/eventsEN/EventDetail/Ithaca-New-York-United-States-Cornell-University-2020-Consulting-Decoded-with-Accenture/8832?utm_source=activity_mailer&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=notification_email *consulting with Accenture
MUSIC
WORKOUT
https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2020/05/9763639/zoom-workout
GENERAL EVENTS
https://www.eventbrite.com/d/online/events/
GAMES
https://www.marieclaire.com/home/a32268495/games-to-play-on-zoom/